A new treatment for migraine relief is fast approaching as Griffith University research enters the final phase in an extensive and so far, highly successful study.

Positive results seen with a clinical trial showed a noteworthy reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines in participants.

Following on from the success of this trial at the Griffith Health Institute’s Genomics Research Centre, a further study will hone in on specific supplement dosages tailored to an individual migraine sufferer’s genetic profile.

For the final phase of this placebo-controlled study, researchers are currently recruiting females aged between 18 and 65 who suffer at least four migraine episodes a year, to help determine the most effective vitamin B and folic acid dosage required to treat this debilitating condition.

The development of a nutraceutical (nutrition-based) product

The final outcome of the trials is expected to result in the development of a nutraceutical (nutrition-based) product tailored to individual needs determined by a genetic diagnosis.

“The success we have seen in our initial trials has been the culmination of over a decade of research,” said Griffith Health Institute Director Professor Lyn Griffiths. “Our first significant finding in relation to this treatment came to light about six years ago when we identified a genetic mutation in migraine sufferers. From then on, progress has been steady and promising.”

Mrs Karyn Baker, a previous trial participant, experienced her first full migraine at the age of 17 after three years of suffering pre-symptoms. “Until joining the trial, I had been managing unpredictable and debilitating migraines for over 30 years. I tried all sorts of treatments with no real success, and had resorted to regularly taking very strong pain relief plus maxolon.”

In this study, trial participants received six months of either a placebo (non active treatment), or a nutraceutical treatment directed towards overcoming a genetic mutation that has been identified in about 20 per cent of migraine sufferers.

“I just knew I was a lucky participant receiving the ‘active’ tablets because shortly after starting the treatment, I experienced a dramatic decrease in the number of migraines and also my general sense of wellbeing improved,” said Mrs Baker.

“I am hugely grateful to the researchers at Griffith for literally turning my life around. I can confidently say I have been completely migraine free since taking the vitamin supplements at the recommended rate.”

The ‘feel good’ factor

“Stories like Mrs Baker’s are the ‘feel good’ factor of our research and hopefully we can have this kind of positive effect on many more migraine sufferers as we continue to unfold the mystery of this common chronic condition,” said Professor Griffiths.

Professor Lyn Griffiths

This trial is recruiting participants nationwide. To find out more please call 07 5552 9201 (leave name and phone number and you will be contacted by clinic staff) or email grcclinic@griffith.edu.au